YOUR NEW IDENTITY IN CHRIST

ILLUSTRATION: Point out a few clothing items or accessories around the room that display a large brand logo.

• Fashion has taken an interesting turn in recent decades.

• The labels on our clothes have moved from the inside to the outside while simultaneously getting larger and larger.

• Most people will happily wear a sweater or a t-shirt with a massive company logo printed across the front.

• Everyone wants to show off the brand label loudly and proudly, from Champion to Nike.

• You’ve probably seen this firsthand—a person displaying a brand name like they’re being sponsored.

• Have you seen a designer bag lately?

• A luxury bag can display a couple hundred little Coach or LV logos.

• We show off these designer bags to let people know we have superior taste and a little cash to burn.

• A coat with a massive North Face logo tells people you love outdoor adventures, even if your idea of hiking is just walking to the mailbox.

• Carrying a stark-white Starbucks cup lets people know you have brand loyalty, while carrying a Dunkin’ cup lets people know you don’t really like coffee.

• Brand names are all around you at this very moment.

• Which ones are you flaunting?

TENSION

• While innocent with your choice of sweatshirt and handbag, this same phenomenon can be dangerous for your psyche.

• Everyone seems to have a label these days. Don’t believe me?

• It goes way further than cups and coats.

• Look at any Instagram bio, and you’ll see it’s packed full of labels.

• We classify ourselves as dog moms, movie buffs, punk fanatics, and Enneagram types.

• The Apostle Paul has some thoughts on this topic.

• He wants his friends in Corinth to know that there is only one supreme label, and it’s not the clothing brand.

• Only one label is worth your attention, and it’s found in Christ.

• Paul’s passage gives us the only label we should strive to carry.

• You are a Christian. That is your source of identity. Period.

• Everything else is only secondary, but your status “in Christ” is primary.

• Allow this truth to cut deep down to your core.

• Your new label is about your true identity, not just brand loyalty.

You Are “In Christ”

• The Apostle Paul uses the phrase “in Christ” when referring to your identity as a Christian.

• He uses this line nearly one hundred times in his writing.

• This phrase simply means that Jesus is the center of your identity.

• When we are “in Christ,” we have taken on a shared identity with Immanuel. Humanity and Divinity have intermingled to create a completely new creation within you.

• Because of Jesus, your old nature has been replaced with His perfect nature (2 Corinthians 5:21,17).

• When you become a Christian, “in Christ” becomes the only label that matters.

• Let’s dig into some theology. “In Christ” means that God no longer sees your imperfections.

• Looking at you, His beloved Child, God sees the righteousness of Jesus that has covered you, canceled your debt, and restored your relationship with God (Ephesians 2:13; Hebrews 8:12).

• The supernatural work of Jesus allows God to see you through the lens of His Son.

• God wears identity goggles when looking at His people.

• When He sees you, He sees the holiness and purity of Jesus.

• Don’t see yourself the way the world does. Don’t see yourself the way that rude person defined you.

• Don’t even see yourself merely by your reflection in the mirror. If we could see ourselves as God sees us, our preconceived notions about ourselves would be obliterated.

• Shame, guilt, sickness, discouragement, failure, and death have no power over you.

• Those forces cannot change your identity because they cannot change your Savior.

• “In Christ,” you have everything you need.

• You have a purpose that never runs out, mercy without an expiration date, and unfathomable freedom.

• Now, we understand logically that “in Christ” is our ultimate identity.

• What does that mean practically? How should that change the way we live?

• Fortunately, the Apostle Paul answered that question for us.

• Your new identity is attached to action.

You Are Christ’s Ambassador

• After writing about our new identity in Jesus, the Apostle Paul proposes that this makes you His ambassador.

• What does that mean?

• According to Webster, an ambassador is “an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country.”

• Plainly, ambassadors advocate for their nation wherever they travel throughout the world.

• They represent their nation’s reputation, work to cultivate unity, and celebrate all the impacts they’ve made on society.

• As Christ’s ambassador, you don’t represent a foreign nation. It’s so much better.

• You represent a universal Kingdom.

• You carry the badge of Jesus like a label on your clothing wherever you go.

• Represent Him at your school.

• Communicate His message at your workplace.

• Spread Christlike kindness in your community.

• A “Jesus Ambassador” stands up for people, shares the love of God, fights for unity, welcomes everybody, and advocates for the gospel.

Landing

• Your identity should change your trajectory.

• Pastor Canon Wallace Marsh explains, “It’s not about who you are, it’s about whose you are.”

• How good is that? You are defined by what Jesus says about you and how He feels about you.

• He has forgiven you.

• He has wiped your slate clean.

• He is passionately pursuing you.

• You were on death row, and He took the punishment for you. Your identity is found in the fact that you belong to Christ.

• Then, your identity leads to advocacy.

• Jesus changed you so that you can change the world.

• A healthy identity sets you up for your ultimate destiny.

TALK IT OUT

Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.

Ice Breaker: Go around your circle and share this week’s highs and lows. What was the best part of your week, and what was the lowest part of your week?

Q1: What’s one thing that stood out to you from today’s message?

Q2: The Bible defines your identity as “in Christ.” What do you think that means?

Q3: What does being an “ambassador of Christ” look like?

Q4: What are some tangible ways you can live out your identity within your community?

Application: Reflect on everything you’ve learned, then ask yourself, “Now what?” How does your new identity change your future trajectory? Work with your group to identify practical ways you can live this out both personally and collectively.

READING PLAN

READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY

John 15: 5-6 

1 Corinthians 6:17 

Ephesians 1:1-12 

Colossians 3:1-17 

1 Thessalonians 5:5 

Hebrews 3:1-11  1

Peter 2:9-10

Colossians 2:6-7 

Philippians 1:6  2

Corinthians 5:11-15

Do the following with each passage: 

ASK– God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down and inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you today.

READ– the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.

REFLECT– on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and experiences?

RESPOND– to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you’ve uncovered.